Difference between revisions of "Scientology"
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Revision as of 22:48, October 28, 2009
Scientology (the study of truth) is an international movement / religion established in the United States by L. Ron Hubbard in 1954, drawing on ideas from Buddhist and Hindu religious philosophy, science fiction, and Western concepts in psychology and science. [1] He introduced his ideas in Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, his seminal work on the subject, in 1950. Dianetics showed readers how they could rid themselves of negative past experiences, called "engrams", to live happier lives. Later Hubbard refined his ideas and moved toward a structured system of belief involving the human soul, or "thetan" (each person's spiritual self or soul that passes through countless reincarnations across trillions of years), and the origins of life and the universe. The organization has often been the subject of extreme controversy. [2]
Unlike Christianity, Islam, or Judaism, there is no single definitive text having authority. Instead, there are multiple books, read by adherents to increase their understanding of Scientology principles. The Way to Happiness is a 1980 booklet that lists 21 moral precepts. Piece by piece, his teachings are revealed to church members through a progression of sometimes secret courses that take years to complete and cost tens of thousands of dollars. [3]
The goal of the Scientology religion is to achieve complete certainty of one's spiritual existence, one's relationship to the Supreme Being, and his role in eternity; [4] but Heaven, Hubbard said, is a "false dream" and a "very painful lie" intended to direct thetans toward a non-existent goal and convince them they have only one life. [5]
Although Scientology argues its beliefs are not incompatible with Christian faith, this is not so. Scientology is inconsistent with the beliefs of Christian faith; however we may observe that Scientology does entertain a fine goal in attempting to improve the world and man's lot within it, whether materially or spiritually. Many practitioners are dedicated and selfless in seeking such ends. [6]
What Scientologists believe
- Belief in Deity: The nature of the Supreme Being is revealed personally.
- Incarnations: There are no particular human incarnations of God.
- Origin of Universe and Life: All is manifestation of the universal spirit.
- After Death: Rebirths continue until the spirit become one with God.
- Why Evil?: Untrue ideas can result in wrongdoing.
- The Occult: Black magic is the inner core of Scientology.
- Salvation: Salvation and enlightenment is achieved through the practices and techniques of Scientology.
- Undeserved Suffering: Suffering occurs as part of the spirit's entrapment here in the physical universe.
- Death: It is sometimes a blessing, or irrelevant.
- Contemporary Issues: Scientology favors the use of their methodology for spiritual/mental healing and social betterment.
The Creed of the Church of Scientology was written by L. Ron Hubbard shortly after the Church was formed in Los Angeles on February 18, 1954. [7]
In the news
October 26, 2009.
Paul Haggis, an Oscar-winning Canadian filmmaker has quit the Church of Scientology after 35 years over the organization's tolerance of "gay-bashing," its lying over the use of "disconnection," and its decision to release the intimate confessions of some of its former members who turned into critics. [8] (disconnection which means that a recruit is told to cut off from parents.)
Tue Oct 27, 2009.
A Paris court convicted the Church of Scientology of fraud and fined it more than euro 600,000 ($900,000) on Tuesday, but stopped short of banning the group's activities.
The group's French branch said it would appeal the verdict.
The court convicted the Church of Scientology's French office, its library and six of its leaders of organized fraud. Investigators said the group pressured members into paying large sums of money for questionable financial gain and used "commercial harassment" against recruits. [9]
See also
External links
- Welcome to Scientology.
- Beliefnet: What Scientologists Believe
- Official Church of Scientology
- A REFERENCE WORK PRESENTED BY THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
- From Science Fiction to Space-age Religion.
References
- ↑ From Science Fiction to Space-age Religion.
- ↑ Scientology Basics
- ↑ Defining the Theology.
- ↑ Scientology.
- ↑ Defining the Theology.
- ↑ From Science Fiction to Space-age Religion.
- ↑ The Creed of the Church of Scientology.
- ↑ Canadian filmmaker quits Church of Scientology
- ↑ Church of Scientology convicted of fraud in France